Habitat

Richard Caink – Breasty Haw – 1994

Photo by Bill Grant

Material: Wood

Trail: Silurian Way

Theme: Modern Life

Form: Representational – House

Maps Featured on: 1995 – 2006 & 2018 – 2019

Status: Still in situ, weathered, Oct 22

Quote from the artist – “Habitat is an installation which is fun and accessible, engaging the viewer both physically, by their presence, and intellectually. The intention as far as ‘meaning’ is concerned, is to articulate our notions of our relationship to the natural world, taking the familiar trappings of a domestic living-room and placing them out of context, trying to re-locate us within the forest where our origins lie, or at least reminding us we are still embedded within the fabric of nature.”

Photograph from ‘Natural Order’ Book by Bill Grant

Photograph taken by Robzet approximately 1996

Originally sited amongst tall pines, just off the path at Breasty Haw. A carved wooden living room complete with curtains, lamp, armchair and television. The television shows an image of the green man. I remember having to queue to go see Habitat when it was new, only one person could sit in the chair at a time.

Photograph taken 2007

After a clear felling in the late 00s it became completely exposed. Soon after birch trees have started growing up around it, a contrast to the dark pines there originally. Being exposed to the elements has degraded the work, the chair and lamp especially are looking a little worse for wear. 

Photographs taken September 2017

Left Photograph by Reece Ingram 1997                                                      Right my photo taken December 2020

Habitat had an Otter waymarker, created and installed in 1997.  Still in situ Dec 2020.

 

Page last updated Oct 2022